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Regiment: 8th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Alexander Stephens, Ambrose E. Burnside, Mary Todd Lincoln, Philip H. Sheridan, Varina Banks Howell
Before Petersburg Jan. 31st
1st Divl field Hosp. 9th A.C. ‘65
Dear Cousin
Yours of Jan 13th came to hand last week. I take this opportunity
to reply in haste for tis already past ten o’clock.
I received a letter from home yesterday, the folks were all well, twas
tip to sleighing. We had had no snow here since I wrote you before, twice. the ground
has been covered about half an inch deep. At present the ice on the ponds is frozen
about two inches thick. Today has been a find day, the blue birds were singing
and it looked like regular spring weather. I am in the hospital again in the
dispensatory or medical wagon, am having an easy thing and a fine time.
This evening Vice President Stevens came over to “Union” with three
other men with him. He took a car at Meads Station which has been waiting for
him since noon and has gone to the Point on his way to Wahington. What his errand is
we do not know but there are all kinds of surmises. Some say that Blair went
to Richmond to kiss Mrs. Davis and now to make the thing even, Mr. Stevens
has gone to Washington to return the compliment to Mrs. Lincoln. Mr. Stevens,
although he has a big name is small in Stature. I did not learn who the other
men were that were with him, but doubtless you will hear all bout it through
the papers before this reaches you. you will hear all about it through
I hope it may be productive of good but my faith is week. I think Gen.Sherman
is adopting the best and surest coarse to gain peace. Tis rumored here that the
9th Corps is going to the midle Department which is to be commanded by Burnside.
Gen. Sheridan is in command of the Armey of the Potomac. Don’t like to move
till it gets a little warmer but would like to be a little farther north next
summer even if it was in Michigan I would not grumble. Well iguess I’ll stop
without saying any thing about your nice School house, School mom and all the
rest of the nice things you have, for my frow is just asking if I am going to
set up all night – Good night
Write Soon
M.H. Southwick
